Best Stand Height?

Reefer PT

New member
I am wondering for all of you who have custom built there stands what height did you build? (measured to the top edge of the tank) I have a 93 gal at my office and while the stock stand makes going shoulder deep nice, however working in the sump area is deplorable. Plus to look at the tank you have to pull up a chair or squat forward like your expecting some form of "punishment."
MY big dilemma is should I go high and and need to work of a stool or go low and deal with the above issues. What have you done? BTW the new tank is a standard 120 (4x2x2)
Thanks
Dave
 
I like to build the stand high enough to provide enough space for the skimmer and other equipment under the tank. I like 38-40 inch tall stands.

Another thing to consider is that you will be viewing the tank much more often than you will have your hand in the tank.
 
I just bought a 93 cube and am planning to do a DIY stand... im thinking 30" stand personally because i like to be able to look down into my tank more often than not, I wanted my tank to be around 4.6' at the top of the tank.. and im using a 40B as my sump which is about 18" high and this gives me about 12" to do what i need to do in there.. and that should be enough to get a skimmer in and out and work on things
 
The bottom of my 220g is at 44" also to make for easy viewing. There is nothing I hate more than trying to look in someone's tank all hunched over because the stand was "factory" bought
 
I went with 42" which is about bar height. Great viewing for me while standing (I'm 6' tall) and if anything it could be a little higher but at 42" shorter people and kids can still see into the tank. I put a few bar stools in front of it as well and they do not block the view, so kids can sit on the stools or you can sit and have a drink at the fish bar :).
 
I went with 42" which is about bar height. Great viewing for me while standing (I'm 6' tall) and if anything it could be a little higher but at 42" shorter people and kids can still see into the tank. I put a few bar stools in front of it as well and they do not block the view, so kids can sit on the stools or you can sit and have a drink at the fish bar :).

Now that's taking the term "wet bar" a little to far:lol: you must be vodka dosing
 
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I just built a 40" stand for my 21" tank.

Great viewing height for adults and the kids.

Tons of room under the stand to work with.
 
measure from the floor to your arm pit

then subtract the height of the tank from the last measurement.

there's your tank stand height.
 
I like to build the stand high enough to provide enough space for the skimmer and other equipment under the tank. I like 38-40 inch tall stands.

Another thing to consider is that you will be viewing the tank much more often than you will have your hand in the tank.

this is very debatable... =P:dance:
 
+1 to armpit height unless you are really short.
40" - 48"

The additional height really helps with the little kids who are to young to teach not to hit the glass it is just out of their reach. By the time they are tall enough to reach the glass they are old enough to learn.
 
I have a factory stand for my 120 now. In addition to having to bend over to see in the tank, it's very difficult do work underneath because everything is so cramped. I'm building a new stand that's going to be 40" high. Hopefully it's high enough!
 
+1 to armpit height unless you are really short.
40" - 48"

The additional height really helps with the little kids who are to young to teach not to hit the glass it is just out of their reach. By the time they are tall enough to reach the glass they are old enough to learn.

I have a Newborn, never even thought about that. I'm really glad you mentioned it.
 
I'm short, 5'4" and the stand I have now is about 36" tall. I have a standard 55 gallon right now but going to do another build because don't like the 55 gallon width. I was thinking about reducing the new stand height but now that I think about it, it makes sense to have a stand where you can directly look at the tank and not hunch over. lol
 
I worked on a tank that's stand was 3.5" tall. Just a little cramped and you had to lay on the floor to see in. Adding a sump took some creativity.

I would rather use a step stool than look down at my tank. On my toes I can touch the bottom of my tank and get a salt rash in my armpit. Just the way I like it :). I'm 6'
 
I just finished my stand and built it at 40 " Below is the finished product with a DIY 29 Gallon Fuge. I have plenty of room for the skimmer that is on order that will sit at 27 "

IMG_0066.jpg
 
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